Democrats Take the Stage

First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to the crowd of delegates on opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On Tuesday, Democrats descended on Charlotte, North Carolina, for the opening day of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. About 6,000 delegates from the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories are expected to attend the three-day event. “Americans Coming Together” is the convention’s theme.

On Thursday, at Bank of America Stadium, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are scheduled to be announced as the Democratic nominees before a crowd of more than 70,000 people. The two were first elected in 2008 and are seeking a second term in office.

JASON REED—REUTERS

A third-grade class from W.R. O’Dell Elementary School, in Concord, North Carolina, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Opening Night

Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz opened the convention. Later, Glee actress Amber Riley led convention goers in the national anthem, and a third-grade class from W.R. O’Dell Elementary School, in Concord, North Carolina, took the stage to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Michelle Obama was the evening's keynote speaker. At the Time Warner Cable Arena, she spoke about her experience as First Lady, about the values she and her husband share and about his life experience. “Barack knows the American Dream because he’s lived it,” she said. “And he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity.” She urged voters to reelect her husband.

TFK will be reporting from Charlotte through Friday. Keep up with us at timeforkids.com/election12, where you can also catch up on our reports from the Republican National Convention, in Tampa, Florida.